Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara Camping

Summary

Explore Tanzania’s wild parks with camping and local guides

You’ll travel from Arusha through Tarangire’s elephant herds, spot flamingos at Lake Manyara, and descend into Ngorongoro Crater for close-up wildlife encounters. Sleep under canvas with meals cooked by your safari team and share laughs around campfires — this is Tanzania at its most vivid.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always pictured safaris as something out of reach — you know, those glossy magazine spreads with fancy lodges and champagne. But this Tanzania budget safari was nothing like that, and honestly, I’m glad. The first morning in Arusha, our guide Joseph gave us a quick rundown (he joked about “bumpy massages” on the roads), then we all piled into the 4x4 and headed for Tarangire National Park. The air changed as soon as we left the city — dustier, warmer, with that dry grass smell. I remember seeing my first elephant herd by the river, their skin caked in mud. It was quieter than I expected; just birds calling and the low rumble of engines now and then.

Camping inside Tarangire was a little surreal. We set up tents while our cook, Mama Grace, started chopping onions for dinner — her laugh carried across the campsite. That night I barely slept (hyenas make weird sounds), but waking up to sunrise over acacia trees made it worth it. Next day we drove through Mto wa Mbu to Lake Manyara National Park. The flamingos were everywhere — flashes of pink against blue water — and baboons kept trying to steal snacks if you weren’t careful. Joseph pointed out tree-climbing lions lounging in the branches; I squinted forever before finally spotting one tail flicking lazily above us.

The drive up to Ngorongoro highlands felt endless but then suddenly you’re at the crater’s edge and it’s just… huge. Cold wind up there too — bring a jacket, trust me. Early next morning we dropped down into the crater itself for another game drive. Saw four of the Big Five before lunch (still can’t believe how close a rhino got). Lunch was sandwiches by a hippo pool; not exactly peaceful but definitely memorable. Afterward we headed back toward Mto wa Mbu for one last night under canvas. My shoes were permanently dusty by then.

On the way back to Arusha I kept thinking about all those little moments: Mama Grace’s chapati at breakfast, Joseph’s stories about growing up near Lake Manyara, even the way everyone waved when we passed through villages. It wasn’t fancy — but it felt real in a way that sticks with you long after you’ve washed off the dust.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Safari briefing in the morning
• Travel to Tarangire National Park
• Game drive in diverse landscapes
• Overnight at campsite inside park

Day 2 — Tarangire to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro

• Breakfast at campsite
• Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
• Game drive at Lake Manyara
• Ascend to Ngorongoro highlands
• Overnight at crater edge campsite

Day 3 — Ngorongoro Crater game drive

• Early breakfast at campsite
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
• Extensive game drive in crater
• Picnic lunch inside crater
• Travel to Mto wa Mbu
• Overnight at campsite in Mto wa Mbu

Day 4 — Return to Arusha

• Leisurely breakfast at campsite
• Travel back to Arusha
• Drop off in city center or airport

Top questions

Is this Tanzania safari suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap or using specialized seats.

Are meals included during the safari?

Yes, meals are prepared by a professional English-speaking safari cook throughout the trip.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in public campsites inside or near each national park in tents provided by the tour operator.

Which parks will I visit on this safari?

The itinerary covers Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Is transportation included from Arusha?

Yes, transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle is included from Arusha city center or airport pickup points.

Will there be a local guide on this tour?

Yes, you’ll have a professional local guide throughout your safari experience.

Are there vegetarian meal options available?

The cook can accommodate dietary needs if notified in advance; vegetarian options are possible.

How many days does this Tanzania budget safari last?

This is a 4-day multi-park camping safari starting and ending in Arusha.

What’s included

Your trip includes pickup from central Arusha or airport arrival points, all park entry fees for Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, guided game drives in a 4x4 vehicle with WiFi onboard so you can share photos right away, tent camping accommodations each night plus all meals prepared fresh by your English-speaking safari cook before returning to Arusha midday on day four.